Old Edition

I know I’ve written about my boss’ cheapness before, but this latest venture of his really deserves to be shared. Last month, he began a night class. He’s actually going to be pursuing a certificate and this is his first course in the program. Like most courses, the particular class has a required textbook. During the first class, Larry visited the bookstore and purchased the book for a whopping $100. The book was the latest edition available and was completely new. Unhappy with having to buy a new book, Larry inquired with the cashier as to the return policy. He was informed that there was a two week period where the book could be returned for a full refund.

With that knowledge, Larry set about searching for an older edition of the book. “$100 is just so much money,” he told me the next morning. “Besides, I don’t like how the copy is laid out, it’s too hard to read.” Somehow I think he would have been fine with the copy if he only paid a few dollars for the book. I told him about a few used text books stores I knew about from my post-secondary school days and we left it at that.

A few days later, he approached my work station all excited, “I found a book for $15!”

“Oh yeah?” I asked. He went on to tell me it was on some site for students, basically like Craigslist but with a focus just on school books and supplies.

“Yes, it’s a few editions old, but I think it will serve me just fine,” he beamed.

Not long after, I heard him on the phone giving someone directions to our office. When he re-appeared, he told me he was heading out to meet the girl who was selling him her old text book. I wished him luck and carried on with my work. About ten minutes later, he was walking into the office with the most battered and beat up book I have ever seen. He came by to show it to me and I couldn’t manage to keep my mouth shut. “Wow, that book’s seen better days,” I said.

He proceeded to open it and large sections of pages fell out. Other pages were missing so the girl had photocopied them from other editions and attempted to tape them in place. All of the pages (and the covers) were dog-eared, highlighted and ripped. The spine of the book looked like it would snap  any minute. “Yeah, I know,” Larry responded. “I guess that’s to be expected, it’s six editions older than the new one.”

I had to bite my tongue as I almost shouted, “SIX editions?!?! Are you crazy?! What kind of idiot buys a book that out-dated for a class?!” I just nodded as Larry grinned happier than a pig in shit. Sure enough, he returned the new book the next day and got his money back.

All was going well for Larry until he took his (old) book to class. The teacher would ask the students to open their books to a certain section to discuss an example together. Larry of course had to scramble through his war-torn book to try to find the equivalent section. Often times, his book didn’t have the same examples as the new version and when it did; it was in a completely different section. When the first test approached, the teacher advised the class which chapters they should read. Larry found himself a few chapters short since his book was so outdated.

“I finally caved,” he said to me the other day as I was getting seated at my desk.

“Oh?” I asked him, not quite sure what he was referring to.

“I bought the new version of the book again,” he said, looking like someone who had been forced to give away their favourite article of clothing.

“A lot can change in six editions,” I replied.

“Yes, there were just too many differences” he admitted. “It’s alright, I’ve got the old one posted for sale online.”

I told S the story and she laughed. “He’s the only schmuck stupid enough to buy that old book.”

I try to keep my disdain for cheapness from Larry since I know it’s an integral part of who he is. I really can’t stand it though and every time I hear one of these stories, I cringe. It’s especially disgusting given that he has money. He can easily afford to pay $100 for a text book. He is gainfully employed and has a decent salary. Which just makes his penny–pinching all the more ridiculous.

I’d be really surprised if he finds another dolt to take the old book off of his hands. Knowing his luck, he’ll probably get more than asking for it.

Related posts:

1. Monday Rambles
2. Office Revamp, Redux
3. Lady Doctor
4. Festive (and cheap) Lunch
5. Lonely Two Weeks
6. Summer Teeth
7. Mid-week Observations
8. Office Revamp
9. Reasons
10. BlackBerry Aggravation